So I tried a few of the different BB creams (sunscreen, foundation, and usually moisturizer) and wanted to provide some feedback...
My skin tans easily, I have naturally oily skin, and at 41 I'm conscious of needing sunscreen for wrinkle prevention. I was looking for a moisturizer/SPF/foundation all in one since layering was goopy. I wasn't looking for major sunscreen- just don't want to burn, so if you have fair skin you might want more than 20-30 SPF. All of the BB creams seemed to be pretty low SPF, compared to the sports sunscreens I usually used. I carry a tiny bit of 70 SPF cream my pocket "just in case" and I only needed to supplement once or twice on my nose on sunny spring days.
Shopping = Torture so my first attempt may have been improved by bringing a patient friend. The first one was from Sephora and was expensive- Dior Hydra Life (SPF 30) Sunscreen, Moisturizer, and Foundation, Sunny Amber color. I tried a bit in the store and it seemed OK, but at home it was obvious I was impersonating an OompaLoompa and this would not stand. Serious orangeness. Subsequent research has shown I'm not alone in finding this line to be "a bit peachy". In addition to being orange, the crap was quite greasy and my face was a shinefest all day. I'm truly sorry if you happened to be one of the unfortunate souls who had to look at me that day.
Next attempt: I stared at the choices at the much more affordable CVS and couldn't decide between two so I got both to compare:
1. Revlon Photoready BB Cream, Skin Perfector, 30 SPF, Medium color: Pretty light coverage, slightly greasy, but not as bad as the Dior. The color was nice and blended well.
2. Revlon Photoready Airbrush Effect, 20 SPF, Cool Beige color: This is my favorite- it's a bit heavier than I typically use but it doesn't appear heavy on your face and it isn't greasy. I haven't burned while using it, even during spring and even without supplemental sunscreen (but that could just be because my skin is tanned and acclimated.) When I wash my face at night I can tell there's more of this left on my face than the others.. I like that this product is offered in both cool and warm skin tones. It seems like many of the BB creams are lacking in options for skin tone and shade.
Thanks for the introduction to BB creams divas!